SRT Concept heralds return of Jeep Scrambler V8
Off-road icons always make for good SEMA show cars - but this one looks as production-ready as they come...
Heritage is all the rage when it comes to 4x4s right now. Look at the popularity of Toyota’s retro-themed Land Cruisers, the stampede that was folks trying to get a Suzuki Jimny, and the fact that every new Mercedes G-Class looks just like the old one. Because people love the appearance.
The Jeep Wrangler is definitely another off-roader with a design that leans heavily into its history; even people who don’t know cars will know it’s a Jeep, because the influence of the Willys can still be seen in a new car. Now Jeep is going one step further with the old school theme by resurrecting the Scrambler name for a SEMA concept. Originally made in the '80s (it went off sale 40 years ago this year), the Scrambler was a long wheelbase CJ-7 with a removable half cab - the ideal ranch wagon, as President Reagan would have told you. So it’s more of the same this time around with the remake, everything from the A-pillar back is new for the Wrangler SRT Concept: longer doors, integrated bed, new tailgate, the roll cage and more. Like so much from the '80s that’s reimagined for today, the inspiration is clear - while also being significantly beefed up as well.
See this Scrambler isn’t so much one for the ranch as one for the Baja 1000. Those dramatic arch flares contain beadlock wheels, oversized off-road tyres and a rear axle said to be modelled on those used in trophy trucks. The ones that do huge jumps multiple times a lap. If anything, though, it’s the front axle that’s of more interest in the Scrambler, because it features independent front suspension - a first for the Wrangler. Yes, really.
All the benefits we’re used to hearing about when upgrading to independent suspension (usually it was hot hatches swapping out a rear torsion beam) are mentioned for the Scrambler: wheel control and stability, plus here precision on the steering axle, all the useful stuff for driving off-road at preposterous speed. Which you’d have to assume this Jeep is capable of, given there’s SRT in the name and a Gladiator-grade front end.
That level of engineering isn’t the sort of thing an OEM would go to just for a concept car, either. If it were previewing a design language refresh or something like that, there’d be no need to invest in what showgoers won’t see. Plus Stellantis included the Wrangler Scrambler name (albeit under wraps) in a preview of the 2030s Jeep lineup back in the spring, so there's a good reason its ‘Punk’n Orange’ paint, SRT details and rear-facing seats don't look far from showroom-ready. Even the ‘Scrambler’ graphics are all set…
Tim Kuniskis, head of SRT Performance (among other things), said: “The Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept combines everything enthusiasts love about Jeep vehicles: capability, open-air freedom and authenticity, with the power, control and relentless performance mindset that define SRT. It is overbuilt and engineered around the idea that the desert can be every bit as demanding as a racetrack. It is unapologetic by design.” Truck yeah, indeed. The perfect thing for a Jeep Easter Safari, perhaps. Whatever the case, the Scrambler is back - and with a V8 already confirmed under the hood, its status as the 'ultimate open-air desert weapon' is almost certain to have Jeep fans clamouring for the real thing in short order.
Enthusiasts aside, for all sorts of reasons EVs just make sense. Fuel security, running costs, reliability, refinement, packaging... in bumper-to-bumper traffic, doing the school run, shopping, commuting, who cares about V8s and Baja-grade suspension.
So, yes, this Jeep looks fun, but it's emblematic of an industry that has been swayed by an angry old fat man into acting against it's own long term interest. I fear for Stellantis in particular and the wider industry in general.
Enthusiasts aside, for all sorts of reasons EVs just make sense. Fuel security, running costs, reliability, refinement, packaging... in bumper-to-bumper traffic, doing the school run, shopping, commuting, who cares about V8s and Baja-grade suspension.
So, yes, this Jeep looks fun, but it's emblematic of an industry that has been swayed by an angry old fat man into acting against it's own long term interest. I fear for Stellantis in particular and the wider industry in general.
Even the 'wealthier classes' are just totally ignorant/indifferent to the environment and EVs go into the "too hard to understand" bucket. Tax incentives to own EVs are devisive but I can't think of way to nudge people's thinking. The only thing that matters is when it really starts to cost them and high fuel prices right now aren't really changing that becuase I still see soccer mom's in their massive SUVs leaving their engines running in the school car park whilst they wait for their kids.
So whilst i thought I'd never say this, part of me hopes that Chinese (or whoever can make decent ones) EVs flood the global market and everyone's mundane daily driver is an EV for the sake of the planet. Keep your V8's/sports cars as weekend toys.
They share an article about a very cool and fun V8 powered dune buggy and the first 4 comments are about EVs and biofuels. Sad times.
I came to say I’d love one and I hope they build them. Would be interesting to see if Land Rover could do something similar with the defender 90.
They share an article about a very cool and fun V8 powered dune buggy and the first 4 comments are about EVs and biofuels. Sad times.
I came to say I d love one and I hope they build them. Would be interesting to see if Land Rover could do something similar with the defender 90.
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